The fake tweeter’s cover was blown on Monday after he was challenged by user Anon Sco, who claimed to be O’Connor’s lawyer, and warned: “Advise you remove this Twitter page immediately as a representative of Mr O’Connor, police are investigating.”

Within minutes, a panicked string of apologetic messages appeared on the O’Connor account.

One read: “Sorry to @RudiSkacel51 for my tweets. I wish you the best and success in your career.”

The tweeter also said sorry to ex-Hearts boss Paulo Sergio, before adding: “This account is a parody. Sorry to all that I’ve offended in anyway.”

A rising number of fake accounts have forced Twitter to launch a verification scheme which sees celebrities issued with a “blue tick”.

Social media expert Kate Bussman said: “What you usually see are parody accounts rather than someone actually pretending to be someone else, as these type of accounts are usually spotted quite quickly.

“This Garry O’Connor account does sound sinister, though, given the extent of the everyday tweets and the posting of family pictures.”